VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Kildare’s Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, located on a 60-acre mineral island in the Bog of Allen, between Rathangan and Allenwood in North West Kildare (R414, Co. Kildare, about an hour from Dublin), is an award-winning day visitor attraction opened in 1993 by President Mary Robinson. This social enterprise blends Irish history, culture, and biodiversity with family-friendly fun, making it ideal for families, school groups, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.

Heritage and History Exhibits: The park offers a 9,000-year journey through Ireland’s past, with interactive multimedia exhibits and replica dwellings covering key periods:
Stone Age and Early Settlers: Meet a “New Stone Age” man and explore a model of Newgrange and a dolmen.
Monastic History: There is archaeological evidence of a prehistoric henge site. Liokhach, a 5th-century monastery, believed to be Ireland’s largest at the time, was associated by tradition with Bishop Earc of Slane, Patrick’s breitheamh or judge, and a nearby boulder with Saint Patrick’s alleged footprint was venerated. After the defeat of the forces of the northern house of Niall by the house of Dunlaing at the Hill of Allen in 722, Aodh Allain, the son of the slain overking, Fearghal son of Maol Duin, reportedly fled to Lullymore, where, dressed as a cleric, he helped to dig the embankment surrounding the church for its holy men, Modhiocha son of Amhairghin and the Gall Craibhtheach, thus not only saving his own life, but also leaving a covenant of his people in the church.
1798 Rebellion and Great Famine: The 1798 John Doorly House, built for the rebellion’s bicentenary, and a traditional mud-wall cottage (using mud, straw, heather, and animal hair) commemorate the failed rebellion in the county, one of the bloodiest theatres of the entire war, in which up to 30,000 may have died. Check out the terrific video featuring actor James Murphy (State of Flux, Vikings, The Bookshop, Line of Duty) and filmed by Mirador Media.
Portal Photography Exhibition: A unique display showcasing the region’s heritage, included with admission.
Exhibits are easy for all ages to engage with, balancing education and entertainment, with guided tours (40 minutes) available for school groups or pre-booked parties.
Peatland and Biodiversity Exploration: Set in Ireland’s largest peatland, the Bog of Allen, the park emphasizes environmental education. The Peatland Biodiversity Trail’s first of its kind, winds through glassy lakes, birch, heathers, and bog cotton, showcasing the bog’s role as a carbon store and wildlife haven (over 300 species, including 21 butterfly species like the rare Marsh Fritillary at nearby Lullymore West Bog). The Environmental Tour details bog formation, peat cutting history, and the lives of local people, from pagan worship to refuge for monks and rebels. The Biodiversity Boardwalk and Foran’s Wood offer serene trails for nature walks, with vibrant flora and wildlife, Dick Warner voiced over some of the audio explanations.

Family-Friendly Activities:

Lullymore is a top family attraction with:

Pet Farm: Meet animals like Toggles the movie star goat, pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, rabbits, sheep, and Falabella horses, perfect for young children.
Fairy Bower and Treasure Hunt: A magical fairy village with a treasure hunt engages kids, adding a whimsical touch.
Funky Forest Indoor Play Centre: A state-of-the-art indoor play area with climbing nets, bridges, a speedy cable run, air hockey, table tennis, and foosball.
Outdoor Play Area: Features climbing frames, slides, and an 18-hole crazy golf course with a heritage theme.
Road Train: A 10-minute ride through woodlands, peatlands, and lakes, included in admission, offering a fun way to explore the park’s landscapes.
Facilities and Atmosphere: The Purple Heather Café provides quality coffee, light lunches, and kid-friendly meals, with a sweet shop and outdoor picnic areas (picnics welcome in spring/summer). The park is clean, safe, and wheelchair-accessible, with ample hand sanitization points and friendly staff (e.g., Ray, Brian, Myra, Kevin, Marie) noted for their warmth and efficiency. The tranquil setting, with no litter and plenty of bins, creates a “cosy” and “oasis of calm” vibe, ideal for a 3–4-hour visit. The park is a haven for all ages, with 95–98% of Tripadvisor reviewers recommending it (Travellers’ Choice Award winner).

Practicalities:

Open Wednesday–Sunday (closed Monday–Tuesday) from January 25 to October, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (last admission 4:30 PM), with full daily access during February mid-term break and Easter. Midweek mornings until 2:00 PM are reserved for school tours; public access is from 2:00 PM–6:00 PM. Admission is €9 per adult, €8 per child (under 5 free), covering all activities (walks, exhibitions, road train, mini golf, play areas, pet farm).
Online booking is essential via www.lullymoreheritagepark.com. Located 4 miles from Rathangan, the park is a one-hour drive from Dublin (no direct public transport; car recommended).
Combine with nearby attractions like the Bog of Allen Nature Centre or Kildare Village for a full day out. Contact: +353 (0)45 870238 or lullymorebookings@gmail.com.

What’s New:

Halloween Happenings (Late October–Early November): The seven-day festival will include Haunted Holograms, the Witches Cottage, the Terror Train, and freaky fun in the Funky Forest, with potential new spooky elements or characters to enhance the experience.
Christmas Events: The Santa experience has been discontinued but expect a quitter more relaxing visit over the holiday.
Enhanced Biodiversity Focus: The Peatland Biodiversity Trail, a first in Ireland, will see new interpretive signage or guided tour content, emphasizing the Bog of Allen’s role as a carbon store and wildlife refuge, supported by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s conservation efforts at nearby Lullymore West Bog.
Easter Event (March–April): The “eggstra” special Easter Bunny hunt will feature new treasure hunt challenges and activities, building on past success with updated decorations and surprises.
Improved Café Menu: Following visitor feedback, the Purple Heather Café has been upgrading its offerings (wraps, sandwiches, soup, chips, sweets)., expect an expanded menu with more kid-friendly and locally sourced options, addressing visitor demand for variety.
Digital Enhancements: To support its goal of attracting more international and school groups, Lullymore is likely improving its online booking system at lullymoreheritagepark.com for smoother reservations, especially during peak school tour seasons. A refreshed Social Story for young visitors may include new visuals or interactive elements to prepare them for the day.
Corporate and Educational Packages: New tailored packages for corporate events (past clients include Pfizer, IBM) and third-level field trips will be introduced, focusing on peatland ecology and Irish history, with updated science experiments like the tree sap project.

Practical Information

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Rathangan, Co. Kildare (R414, near Allenwood).
Contact: +353 (0)45 870238, lullymorebookings@gmail.com, www.lullymoreheritagepark.com.
Tips: Book online to secure entry, especially for events or midweek visits (post-2:00 PM). Bring a picnic for spring/summer visits. Wear comfortable shoes for trails and wellies for the pet farm. Arrive early for seasonal events (Easter, Halloween) to avoid crowds. Combine with nearby Kildare Farm Foods Open Farm or the Irish National Stud for a full day. Check the website for event schedules and low-season hours.

Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park offers a rich blend of Irish history, peatland exploration, and family fun, with new seasonal events, enhanced café offerings, and a stronger biodiversity focus, making it a top Kildare destination. For the latest updates, visit www.lullymoreheritagepark.com